Problematic Law Professor Kaveny Leaves Notre Dame for Boston College

Law and theology professor Cathleen Kaveny is leaving the University of Notre Dame for Boston College, where she will explore the intersection of law and morality, according to the Boston College Chronicle.

Kaveny is now BC’s Darald and Juliet Libby Professor and will hold a faculty appointment in both the Law School and the theology department at the Jesuit college.

Kaveny, who writes frequently for Commonweal magazine, reportedly expressed a pro-abortion rights stance during a Princeton University conference on abortion in 2010, saying, “I do not believe [the mother] has an obligation to provide support to the unborn if pregnancy imposes a significant burden on her health or if she was raped.”

Last year, Kaveny strongly defended the Obama administration’s HHS contraceptive mandate by claiming that the Obama administration is not attacking religious liberty, and any attempt by the bishops to say otherwise is a “canard.”

Notre Dame is currently suing the Obama administration over the mandate. Boston College is not.

“I am delighted and honored to be joining Boston College’s distinguished faculty,” Kaveny reportedly told the student newspaper. “I am also very excited about the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration in this academically rich and diverse community.”

Kaveny reportedly said she plans to focus on issues such as health care ethics and the law.

BC Law School Dean Vincent Rougeau announced, “Professor Kaveny’s appointment places Boston College at the forefront of scholarship in both law and theology, with her most recent work offering critical insights on how American law engages highly contested moral debates in an increasingly diverse society.”

“She will provide an exciting link between the Law School and the College of Arts and Sciences by offering cross-listed courses that explore the intersection of key legal and theological concepts such as justice, mercy and complicity with evil,” he added. “We are thrilled to have her join us.”

Catholic Education Daily is an online publication of The Cardinal Newman Society. Click here for email updates and free online membership with The Cardinal Newman Society.

When reprinting/reposting, please include the author's name, a link to our website, and the following text: "Originally published by Catholic Education Daily, an online publication of The Cardinal Newman Society."

Founded in 1993, the mission of The Cardinal Newman Society is to promote and defend faithful Catholic education. The Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization supported by individuals, businesses and foundations.

Donate

Our work is possible only through the generosity of countless supporters who share our mission. We have promoted and defended faithful Catholic education for 20 years! Please support our successful work by making a donation today.

Stay Connected

Keep up with the latest developments by joining our social media networks: